The Royal Canadian Legion Saskatchewan Command LEST WE FORGET 267 Informal meetings of World War II Veterans, some of whom were members of the Nipawin Branch, were held and in February 1946, it was decided to form a Legion Branch in Codette. The Branch was chartered in April 1946 with President Ernest Thomson and Secretary/Treasurer, John Harder. Other charter members include: O.J. Bossenberry, H.S. Carter, J.G. Collins, J.A. Dunn, M.B. Foster, H. Harder, W. Hornby, E.G. Jensen, C. Johnson, G. McFayden, E. Munnings, V. Reynolds, A.E. Sager, H. Schellhorn, B. Segal, H.A. Street, W. Tait, W.A. Tait, E.Y. Thomson, A.C. Turner, and L.C. Wilkes. Regular meetings were held in the old Codette Hall. Soon, the Branch decided to spearhead the building of a new Community Hall. The Legion acquired property and the Codette Memorial Hall was erected. The Legion turned the operation of the Hall over to a community committee in 1951. In 1961, the Branch had to take over the operation of the hall once again, as community interest waned, but by 1978, the Legion transferred the property and hall to the Village of Codette. In 1956, the Legion had purchased the old Nipawin Rural School to use for its activities and it was officially opened as the Legion Hut in 1963. The Codette Cenotaph was unveiled east of Codette in 1928. In 1957, it was decided to move it adjacent to the Legion Hut in Codette. The names of the fallen of World War II were added and the Cenotaph was rededicated on November 11, 1966. The Branch supported numerous local activities over the years and was active with a small but dedicated membership until 2003, when it disbanded and most of the remaining members joined the Nipawin Branch. LADIES’ AUXILIARY TO CODETTE BRANCH 275 Many of the Auxiliary members were members of the Nipawin Legion Auxiliary before and during World War II. Eventually, the Codette Auxiliary was granted their own charter in 1946. The first President was Katherine Carter, with other executive members May Morris, Marj Robinson, Jean Turner, Verna Rushmer, M. Sager and Beth Manley. The very active group catered banquets, worked at the fair booth, held teas, bake sales and card parties. They assisted in getting the Legion Hut ready, including purchasing flatware with Quaker box tops, a coffee percolator with Blue Ribbon or Nabob coupons, and holding a community shower for hall supplies. Over the years, they assisted the Legion Branch with many projects, with many joining them officially after the Auxiliary disbanded. CODETTE BRANCH 275 ~ Closed Chelan Legion Branch 276 received their charter on April 4, 1946. The names on it were as follows: L.A. Aspen, W. Beale, R.E. Beatty, C.I. Bigler, C.D. Birtles, G.L. Dalemo, E. Freyer, J.L. Hettle, A.L. Jewell, D. Lamont, A.L. Lee, J. McNiven, S. Monkman, G. Poelzer, T. Pringle, M. Sorochuk, O.W. Ward, W.H. Ward, G.E. Webster, N.G. Yaremko, S. Zenuk. The Ladies’ Auxiliary received their charter on Jan 8, 1954, and was active for several years, but ceased after many moved away or died. Then a few joined the Legion as Associate members. One of them, E. Back had served actively in WW2, as well. Over the years, more men joined and some members moved away or were deceased, and as the community grew smaller it was difficult to get new members. When the village theatre ceased operating, the Branch bought the building for $1500 to be used as a hall. A member, Ron Back, and his wife Betty, both accomplished musicians, thought a piano was needed for the hall. They and a friend, John Wolkowski, drove to Saskatoon in John's truck to buy a piano which is still in use. It cost $350.00 with a discount for a Legion Branch. The Branch repaid Ron's purchase of the piano in small amounts as funds were raised. The hall was recently turned over to the Community Club and enlarged and still serves the community. The Branch has been active for many years in the community with the curling club, seniors, community club and school. The Branch supported the literary contest for school students over the years and was proud of all the students who entered. Many of them won prizes each year against larger schools in Zone, District and Provincial levels. Members have been active, as well, in surrounding communities and hope to continue. CHELAN BRANCH 276 “Lest We Forget”
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